A Collection of Engaging Works Connecting Social Activism and Public Art

Steven Powers was born in Philadelphia in 1968. From 1994, he was active in New York as the editor-in-chief of "Go Magazine" and as graffiti artist ESPO (Exterior Surface Painting Outreach). In 1998, he established his studio and subsequently ceased creating graffiti, dedicating himself to his art.

His vibrant and monumental murals have garnered significant attention on the international art scene. "Graffiti art often carries an overly intense impression, but I want to create art that leverages that characteristic to convey positive messages," he told The New York Times.

Mural by Steven Powers

Since 2009, he has been developing the "Love Letter To ~" project, creating murals that serve as love letters to various communities. These artworks, symbolizing the hopes and dreams of entire towns, combine powerful visuals with heartfelt messages and have been exhibited in cities worldwide, including Philadelphia, Ciraq, and Brooklyn. He is also working on a project to artfully erase graffiti. In 2008, he became a doctor of Flatbush (self-proclaimed) and currently runs a sign shop in Flatbush, Brooklyn.

This, his first solo exhibition in Japan, will feature a comprehensive display of original works previously created with enamel, alongside new silkscreen prints. Additionally, a special Japan edition print created for this exhibition will be available for purchase at GALLERY TARGET. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see a full range of his captivating works, which bridge social activism with public art through colorful graffiti, signage, and urban advertisements.

Furthermore, coinciding with the exhibition, Steven Powers' first monograph, "A LOVE LETTER TO THE CITY," will be released at BOOKMARC. This inaugural book, showcasing his powerful public art, includes works created in various cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and São Paulo. Steven Powers, who is visiting Japan, is scheduled to hold a book signing event at BOOKMARC on Friday, April 18th.

Works exhibited in this show

Steven Powers

"TODAY IS ALREADY TOMORROW" by Stephen Powers (ESPO)
Exhibition Dates | Friday, April 18th - Tuesday, May 6th (holiday)
Venue | GALLERY TARGET
Hours | 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
2-32-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3402-4575
www.gallery-target.com

Opening Reception
Date | Friday, April 18th
Time | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The artist will hold a book signing at BOOKMARC from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM and will be present at the gallery from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

"A LOVE LETTER TO THE CITY"
Publisher | Princeton Architectural Press
Details | Paperback, Color
Price | ¥3,300 (excluding tax)
*Not sold at GALLERY TARGET. Available for purchase at BOOKMARC.

Steven Powers Book Signing
Date | Friday, April 18th
Time | 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Venue | BOOKMARC
1F, 4-26-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5412-0351